Warm temperatures and more rainfall in the forecast for this weekend have prompted a watershed conditions statement from Quinte Conservation.
Forecasts for the Quinte Conservation Watershed predict 20-25 mm of rainfall from Saturday to Sunday, with above zero temperatures expected until Monday.
These spring-like weather conditions will trigger this year’s spring freshet with water levels on rivers and creeks anticipated to hit their first peak by mid next week.
Quinte Conservation reports current watershed conditions are typical for this time of year and river flows are average for mid-March meaning there is significant capacity to accommodate future increases.
While some nuisance flooding may occur around small watercourses, urban areas and ditches, flooding on larger bodies of water is not expected at this time.
The spring freshet for the Moira, Napanee, and Prince Edward watersheds is the river peak caused by snowmelt which typically occurs in the spring between mid-March and early May.
This is an annual event which swells the rivers and tributaries, providing much needed recharge to lakes and groundwater.
All remaining ice surfaces should be considered unstable due to warming temperatures and higher flows.
The public is advised to exercise extreme caution when near rivers and water bodies and to stay away from open and fast flowing water, culverts, dams, ice covered water, and banks.
Staff will continue to monitor conditions.
For current water levels or to report changes in water levels, residents are encouraged to visit QuinteConservation.ca.
A FLOOD OUTLOOK STATEMENT gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
